No plans to include Springboks in Six Nations

Amid speculation in recent times that South Africa will be joining the Six Nations Championship, the tournament’s Chief Executive, Ben Morel, has dispelled the rumours, saying that there are currently no such plans. 

After the top four South African provincial sides – the Sharks, Bulls, Lions and Stormers – were included in the United Rugby Championship, many assumed that the next natural step would be to include the Springboks in Europe’s premier international competition. 

“It’s not currently a question," Morel told Planet Rugby. "My understanding is that South Africa are committed to the Rugby Championship and at the same time our focus is on July and November." 

“The Six Nations has added to and reduced its number of teams in very few moments during its 140 years, so it’s something that we’d be very cautious of doing.” 

Morel is correct in that South Africa are still contractually obliged to participate in The Rugby Championship until 2030.  

However, with regard to the summer tours and November Tests, Morel appears open to change in the future. 

“We’re pretty happy with what we have, but we’re sure it could be improved. If that leads to a final or some sort of ranking, that would be a positive,” he said. 

“It’s complex but the Six Nations are playing a leading role in what the solution could be. Some sort of final is exciting and that’s what the fans want to see.”